Regularly Used Eye Drops - An Insight

Introduction

Certain eye drops that are regularly used are usually over-the-counter drugs. So they are hassle-free to use. These are either eye lubricants or decongestants utilized to treat day-to-day problems like dry eyes, redness, etc. Various brands manufacture them, so their suitability differs from person to person.

What Are Lubricant Eye Drops?

Lubricant eye drops are also known as artificial tears. They impart moisture and relief to the outer surface of the eyes for common reasons, such as eye strain and tiredness; environmental factors, like dry climate, smoky or windy conditions; aging, post-surgery, use of certain medications, etc. However, most of these causes are temporary.

Apart from providing lubrication, some of them enhance the eyes' healing, while others help decrease tear evaporation too. Artificial tears are also incorporated with thickening constituents, which allows the solution to stay longer on the eye surface.

There are two types of artificial tears:

• Eye Drops Containing Preservatives: This variety is usually dispensed in multidose bottles and comprises chemical preservatives to prevent bacterial growth after the package seal is broken.

• Preservative-Free Eyedrops: This type lacks preservatives and contains fewer additives. These are packed in single-dose vials.

How Do Artificial Tears Treat Eye Dryness?

Lubricating eye drops are specially made with the same components that human tears naturally contain. These drops form a tear film on the outer surface of the eyes and protect them by rendering the natural effects of tears. However, eye drops are effective only in mild to moderate eye dryness. A lubricating gel or ointment is preferred in severe cases as they are thicker than the drops and remain there longer. But, the ointment may cause temporary blurring of vision, so they are usually chosen to use at bedtime.

Are Lubricating Eye Drops Safe?

Generally, lubricating eye drops are safe and can be frequently put into the eyes. However, those containing preservatives pose a little doubt.

Eye drops with preservatives carry chemicals that are incorporated to keep the bacteria at bay once the package is opened. But, there have been complaints of irritation after using such drops in certain patients, especially those with severe eye dryness. So, most ophthalmologists recommend not applying these drops exceeding four times a day.

On the other hand, preservative-free eye drops have no or minimal additives. So, they are recommended in patients with moderate to severe dry eyes and are the best option for frequent users requiring artificial tears more than four times daily.

Artificial tears can also produce some adverse effects, like blurry vision or an allergic reaction to the drug, which can manifest as itchiness, swelling, dizziness, breathing issues, or general weakness. If these symptoms arise, the medication should be immediately discontinued, and the specialist doctor should be consulted.

What Are Eye Decongestants?

Eye decongestants treat redness and mild irritation, usually caused due to dust, smoke, chlorinated water in swimming pools, etc. Tetrahydrozoline is the most widely used eye decongestant and belongs to a class of sympathomimetic amines. It acts by constricting the blood vessels temporarily. Certain brands also enrich them with lubricants to provide enhanced protection from irritation and dryness.

Eye decongestants usually do not cause any critical side effects. However, some adverse effects seen with their use are:

• Burning or tingling eye sensation.

• Eye redness.

• Blurred vision.

• Widened pupil.

In certain cases, they are prescribed by the doctor when their benefits outweigh their side effects. However, if serious side effects occur, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately, and the drug use should be discontinued.

How to Use Regular Eye Drops?

The following steps can be followed in using the eye drops. They also include the precautions to be taken.

• First and foremost, use eye drops after washing the hands.

• Avoid touching the dropper tip with the hands, eyes, or other surfaces.

• If a person wears contact lenses, then take them out prior to drops administration. It is also advised to wait ten minutes after using the drops and then wear contact lenses.

• Also, read and follow the instructions given on the medication package or as the doctor advises.

• In case of any queries or doubts, turn to the doctor or pharmacist.

• Do not forget to check the medication’s expiry date, color, and odor. Discard it if any change is seen in color or smell, and keep it away from children and pets.

• Sit or lie down by tilting the head back, then look upwards and slightly pull the lower eyelid down to create a pouch-like space in the eye.

• Hold the nozzle or the dropper straight above the eye and put one drop into the pouch.

• Close the eye gently by looking down and staying the same for one to two minutes.

• Apply gentle pressure by placing a finger at the eye’s corner close to the nose. This prevents the draining of medication from the eye.

• Prevent blinking or rubbing the eye.

• Repeat the steps for the other eye or if the dose is more than one medication drop.

• Avoid rinsing the dropper and ensure tight cap replacement after each use.

• If using more than one eye medication, like drops or ointments, keep a gap of at least five minutes before administering the next.

• Also, use eye drops before eye ointments to permit their proper entry into the eye.

• If the manifestations persist or worsen after 72 hours, and in case of a critical medical issue, discontinue the medication and visit the doctor immediately.

Eye decongestants are recommended to be used a maximum of four times a day or as the doctor instructs. Overusing them may lead to increased eye redness due to the drug’s rebound effect. Consult the doctor if redness occurs.

Conclusion

Specific eye drops can be used regularly without causing any adverse effects, particularly in mild conditions like eye dryness, eye strain, etc. However, they should be used cautiously and preferably with a doctor’s consultation. But, if the symptoms are not relieved or worsen, medical help should be immediately taken.